The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced that the situation regarding UAE visas for Nigerians is expected to normalize soon, indicating progress in resolving the ongoing travel restrictions.
Keyamo made this disclosure on Wednesday during a ceremony celebrating the resumption of Emirates Airlines’ passenger flights to Nigeria, following the suspension of operations in 2022.
He noted that diplomatic efforts are underway to facilitate smoother travel between Nigeria and the UAE, noting significant progress on the visa issue.
“We are making huge progress on the issue of the Visas for Nigerians, and I think very soon everything will return to normal,” Keyamo stated.
The Minister also emphasized that the Nigerian government will closely monitor Emirates Airlines to ensure its ongoing commitment to the Nigerian market.
He said, “We would closely monitor you and make sure you don’t leave us again.”
An official from Emirates Airlines, speaking at the ceremony, expressed gratitude for the support received from Nigerian authorities and stakeholders.
In a video shared by the Director, Public Affairs & Consumer Protection at Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Michael Achimugu via his official X handle, the representative reassured that the airline is committed to maintaining its presence in Nigeria, stating, “We are back today and we will stay.”
He further disclosed that this message was conveyed directly from the airline’s senior management, indicating their intention to avoid future suspensions and enhance operations in Nigeria.
Emirates Airlines resumed passenger flights to Nigeria on Monday marking its first flight from the UAE since 2022.
Flight EK 783 landed at Murtala Muhammad International Airport at 3:32 PM.
This return follows the resolution of a two-year hiatus due to concerns over trapped funds in Nigeria.
